“Pakistan today in no way conforms to Mr Jinnah’s vision — it never has. Mr Jinnah and the Muslim League lured the Muslim-majority areas of India into opting for Pakistan with the promise of ‘autonomy and sovereignty’.

The promise was broken ab initio, leading to a revolt by Balochistan within 48 hours of the creation of Pakistan. East Pakistan became rebellious within six months, being smothered by troops and governor’s rule. Rumblings in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continued.

Seven governments came and went within the first 10 years. It took nine years to enact the first constitution, and that too based on the undemocratic principle of parity, a denial of the Bengali majority. This absurd state led to military rule within 11 years of Pakistan’s creation.

With such an inauspicious start, Pakistan has broken up. What remains after 30 years of military rule and 25 so-called democratic governments is more fragile and destitute than it was on the day it came into existence.

The Pakistan that Mr Jinnah promised may come into being, 65 years after its birth, if the initial promise of autonomy and sovereignty for the provinces is implemented. Unless, of course, it is too late.”

- Mumtaz Bhutto, chairman, Sindh National Front